English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison

English Water Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) is originated from France. English Water Spaniel may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). English Water Spaniel may weigh 35 kg / 77 pounds lesser than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). Both English Water Spaniel and Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) has almost same life span. Both English Water Spaniel and Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) has almost same litter size. Both English Water Spaniel and Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) requires Low maintenance.

History

The English Water Spaniel breed is extinct and has been since the early 1900’s. It was last seen in the 1930s. The breed was a hunting breed, diving for duck and hunting other waterfowl. Legend has it that Shakespeare was referring to this breed of dog in Macbeth when he refers to the “water rug”. Again, in Two Gentlemen of Verona one of the character states about another that “She hath more qualities than a water-spaniel.’

The English Water Spaniel came along before the Irish Water Spaniel and had a part in the development the Curly Coated Retriever, the American Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. The English Water Spaniel looks somewhat like a Poodle/Springer Spaniel cross or a Collie. It is not known whether the English Water Spaniel was part of the development of the Irish Water Spaniel.

When the English Water Spaniel was first developed the UKC had a “Water Spaniels other than Irish” and the English Water Spaniel had no standard written and accepted for it yet. But by 1967 the breed was extinct. Still the American Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever are believed to be descendants of the English Water Spaniel.

braque francais pyrenean type - historyThe Braque Francais Gascognes and the Braque Francais Pyrenees are two alike dogs that are in reality separate breeds. The Pyrenees is not as rare as his larger brother, Gascognes. Around since the 15th century at least, not mush is really known about their origins. Because the Braque Francais was exported or taken to so many different countries in the 15th-18th centuries, a lot of information regarding the origins of the breeds were lost. There was a major study done in the 19th century that showed the two dogs came from very different blood lines. It is known that in this timeframe there was an acute need for a dog that was better than the current hunting breeds. This dog needed to be able to point, track, retrieve and flush.

With no authenticated story of origin, many myths have grown up in the vacuum. The most common belief is that the Chien d’Oysel, an ancient spaniel breed that was medium sized with brown or white fur and brown markings, is an ancestor of the Braque Francais and local hunting dogs. To make the Gascognes larger and stronger than the Pyrenees, local scent hounds were also crossed with these dogs. The Pyrenees does not have these scent hounds in their background.

Until the late 1800’s, there was only one type and one breed of Braque Francais. But when the breed was no longer the dogs of a nobility, the average hunter needed a smaller dog. Urbanization following the French Revolution added to this trend and the Pyrenees Mountain hunters crossed the Gascognes with smaller scent hounds and pointers. Thus, they created the Braque Francais Pyrenees and each dog became its own breed in 1920.

The Braque Francais breed club, including standards for both breeds was established in 1850 with the standards established in 1880. This acceptance was then followed by registration of both breeds in the International Kennel Club (FCI) and the French Kennel Club. Canada recognizes only the Gascoigne and the United Kennel Club (UKC) of the United States, recognized both. Neither breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The Second World War was brutal to both types of the Braque Francais, but the Pyrenees have surpassed their sister breed and are the only one that has found its way to North America. The importers have started a breeding program in Canada. Later a few were imported to the States. There are currently at least four breeders in North America – 2 in the U.S. and 2 in Canada. It is thought that there are less than 200 Braque Francais Pyrenees living in North America.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
49 - 51 cm
19 - 21 inches
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
45 - 47 cm
17 - 19 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
32 - 52 kg
70 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Water Dog, Water Rug
French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type; Braque Francais, de Petite Taille
Colors Available:
liver and white
mottled brown Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan markings
Coat:
dense, waterproof, doublecoated
fine and short
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

Resembling the Springer Spaniel, poodle, collie and setter the English Water Spaniel has very little in common with the Irish Water Spaniel in respect to looks. The English has a narrow and somewhat longer head their than other spaniels and they have long furry ears. Their body is stout, and they are shaped like a barrel – more like a Clumber. With long legs and large feet, it is ready to take to the hunt. There coat was waterproof, and their toes were webbed.

braque francais pyrenean type puppy - descriptionThe Braque Francais breeds are medium sized dogs with the Pyrenean standing 10 centimeters shorter than the Gascogne. They have a, white or chestnut brown coat with brown spots and a brown head. The Pyrenees has a head that is broader and ears that are not as long as the Gascogne. Their muzzle is narrower. He is strong, tall with hanging lips and square muzzles.

Characteristics

The English Water Spaniel was aloof with strangers but loyal with his hunter. He was a little stubborn and an excellent water dog. They loved being in the water and could enter it without making any noise so as not to frighten his prey. He was highly intelligent and trainable. He also was very affectionate with his people.

braque francais pyrenean type dog - characteristicsThis is a sociable, lovable, friendly breed. They are gentle and docile dogs that want only to please you. They like children as well as adults and will never be a guard dog as they are friendly to strangers as well. The Braque Francais Pyrenees is affectionate while being highly skilled hunters. They are prone to severe separation anxiety if left alone for long. They might even have a tendency toward shyness.

Health Problems

The English Water Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed given to some fairly common disorders such as:

Hip Dysplasia

Can lead to lameness and arthritis

Cardiac abnormalities

Arterial fib and flutter and other problems that could lead to death.

Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a disease seem in several “Dwarf” breeds such as Corgis, as well as in many spaniels. This is the canine version of Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS and it is fatal.

braque francais pyrenean type puppies - health problemsThe breed of Braque Francais in both its incarnations is generally a pretty healthy dog. They are prone to several issues including dysplasia of the elbow and hip, aortic stenosis, some eye issues and patellar luxation. The eye issues are around the lids and include ectropion and entropion along with cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These issues are not avoidable, but the risk can be reduced even more by breeder testing of parents of any litter and then test the litter. Both the OFA and CERF should conduct tests for the dysplasia (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and eyes (Canine Eye Registration Foundation).

Caring The Pet

Feeding

The English Water Spaniel is not an overly energetic dog and has a tendency to over eat. Feed him 1 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry dog food over two meals each day.

Health issues

In addition to the health issues mentioned earlier, the English Water Spaniel is also prone to:

Baldness

Pattern baldness – is genetic and occurs on the neck and back of the hind legs.

Cataracts

English Water Spaniels can have these in old age like most other breeds.

Retinal Dysplasia

Clumps form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness

Exercise and games

The English Water Spaniel was a worker and an outdoor athlete at a time before organized canine games and activities such as agility and flyball. They loved to swim, and they loved to hunt. Without a job to do they could become barky and destructive.

Feeding

braque francais pyrenean type dogs - caringThis breed need a high energy food including raw meat such as chicken, fish, and beef. If feeding kibble, they need about 2.5 cups per day.

Health issues

Prone to inflammation and infections of the ears as they are long and floppy. Clean them regularly. As previously mention eye disorders, joint dysplasia and bloat.

Exercise and games

The Braque Francais Pyrenees is a fairly versatile hunting dog. They can hunt on all types of terrain by trailing, flushing and retrieving. They are quick and move quickly without actually sprinting. This dog needs serious exercise every day. They will walk or jog with you. They will run along side your bike. Whatever you choose to do, do it for an hour a day. Don’t make couch potatoes out of this breed. It will not turn out well if you do. They need a place where they can play off leash as well, such as a large yard or a dog park.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. Finnish Spitz vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. English Water Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  6. English Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  7. English Water Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  8. English Water Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  9. English Water Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  10. English Water Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  11. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  12. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  13. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  14. Field Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  15. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovakian Hound vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Small Munsterlander vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Kooikerhondje vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. East Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  27. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  28. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  29. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  30. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  31. Field Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  32. Curly Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  33. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque Francais vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  35. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  36. Shikoku vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  37. Slovakian Hound vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  38. Small Munsterlander vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  39. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  40. Kooikerhondje vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  41. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  42. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  43. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  44. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  45. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  46. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  47. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  48. Braque Saint-Germain vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  49. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds